HEALTH

Nutrition Labelling

Anna Soubry: Today we are launching the new front of pack nutrition labelling scheme across the UK.
	This will introduce more consistent nutrition labelling across the UK by providing, on the front of food and drink products, clear information on energy and those nutrients of public health concern that the majority of us should be aiming to limit in our diets.
	The scheme incorporates reference intake (previously known as guideline daily amount) information together with the levels of energy and the levels of fat, saturates, sugar and salt, highlighted by red, amber or green colour-coding. The combination of this information will allow people to judge how much energy and nutrients a portion of the labelled food will contribute to their overall diet, and also enable them to compare products and make healthier choices.
	Two new public health responsibility deal pledges are also being launched today in order to enable food businesses to commit themselves to adopting the new scheme and, more widely, to enable businesses, non-Government organisations and others to help promote it.
	The “Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets” has been placed in the Library. Copies are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper office.
	It is also available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments[]=department-of-health.
	Copies of the two new responsibility deal pledges have also been placed in the Library. Copies are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper office.
	The two pledges are also available at: https://responsibilitydeal.dh.gov.uk/.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

Mark Hoban: The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will be held on 20 June 2013 in Luxembourg. I will represent the UK.
	The Council will finalise its contribution to the European Council to take place on 27 and 28 June 2013. The European semester 2013 discussion will focus on a number of documents linked to the European semester. There will also be a separate discussion on youth employment.
	Council will seek a general approach on the European globalisation adjustment fund regulation (2014-20) and will provide an update on the fund for European aid for the most deprived regulation.
	Council also seek a general approach on the proposed directive on minimum requirements for enhancing worker mobility by improving the acquisition and preservation of supplementary pension rights. There will be updates on directives on equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services; and gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges.
	Ministers will consider two sets of Council conclusions on social investment for growth and cohesion and on women in the media.
	Under any other business the presidency will provide updates on legislative files and other issues. There will also be information on public employment services (PES) and state of play regarding preparation for the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ meeting and joint meeting with Finance Ministers. Finally, the Lithuanian delegation will outline the work programme of their forthcoming presidency.